Meet out latest debut author, a fellow Unbounder whose fascinating memoir was released earlier in the year, on World Book Day.
Tell us a little about your book and how you came to write it.
My book is an autobiographical memoir, called This Queer Angel. It’s main focus is upon the 80s and 90s, which saw my army nursing career brought to a devastating end following an investigation by the Royal Military Police. I lost everything because of my sexuality. I went on to co-found Rank Outsiders, the support and campaign group that led the way to lifting the ban on LGBT personnel serving openly in the armed forces. It’s also a coming out story.
What makes your book unique?
It’s the first book covering recent LGBT/Military/Nursing/Cold War history written from a lesbian perspective.
Which part of being published were you most excited about?
Getting the feedback, especially when it’s from someone reading it on the other side of the world! And seeing it on the shelves in branches of Waterstones and my all-time favourite independent bookshop, Gays The Word just makes me grin inanely!
What has been the most challenging part of your journey to publication?
Crowdfunding! Trying to drum up support is very hard going. There were times I really felt I’d never reach the target needed to reach a publication date. But having 360 people pledging to support the book was what kept me going. And Unbound, my publisher, has been brilliant throughout the whole process.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone who has influenced your work?
No mentor as such, but I found meeting other writers at Charlie Haynes’ Urban Writers Retreats really inspiring! I’ve made friends and added some great books to my ever-lengthening ‘to be read’ pile!
If there was one book that you could have written, other than your own, what would it be and why?
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I love the glorious vocabulary translated from the French. I’m a total Francophile and speak the language, so to be able to write in French would be heavenly. But I’ll never be that good, sadly.
What advice would you give to other writers hoping to publish a novel?
If you can hack the stress of crowdfunding, pitch your idea to Unbound. If they commission your story, they’re a great crew to have supporting you from dream to reality.
Is there a debut novel you’re particularly looking forward to reading in 2019?
I genuinely don’t have just one that I can name – I have a HUGE pile of books to be read, I just never seem to have the time I need.
About the author
Elaine is a Medical Administrator who lives in the Isle of Wight. This Queer Angel is her first book and was published by Unbound on 7 March 2019 (World Book Day). She is hoping it won’t be her last published work!
You can buy the book on Amazon or Waterstones. Follow Elaine on Twitter to find out more about her writing.